28/09/2023
TopSpec Topical Tip
This is the time of year when many horses and ponies are brought in, at least overnight, not least because of the cooling temperatures and increased wet causing weight loss and muddy conditions. We are already hearing of colic cases on the TopSpec Multiple-Award-Winning Helpline, so do your best to make the change gradual.
Changing dietary routine quickly upsets the microbial balance in the hindgut with unpleasant consequences, so also consider using an appropriate TopSpec feed balancer or supplement with a high yeast content to support the hindgut fermentation.
Different problems can occur when horses or ponies are brought into lovely straw beds, which they may eat greedily in addition to their hay, so the water content of their diet plummets and impactions can result. To help minimise this risk add additional salt (on top of any they are already receiving) to their extra sloppy hard feeds for 1-2 weeks, a level tablespoon for horses and a level dessertspoon for ponies. This will increase their thirst, and so water intake, to help hydrate their overall diet.
Finally maximise their exercise to compensate for the restriction in movement that stabling enforces. In summary, to minimise problems, do the following during change:-
• Makes changes gradually.
• Maximise exercise.
• Include yeast in diet.
• Add extra salt to a wetter meal.
